Fewer students than usual received permission to move off campus next school year, according to Dean of Women Rebekah Dell.

The Deans sent an email Feb. 20 to students granted off-campus permission. Most of the recipients will be seniors next school year.

The number of Hillsdale students enrolled minus the campus beds determines the number of off-campus spots granted, said Dell. 

“On the women’s side, we let a good chunk of juniors off campus, and it sounds like we will soon for the men,” Dell said. 

The deans are unsure how many more juniors will receive off-campus permission since they do not know how many students will decline, Dell said. Students have until March 3 to accept or deny permission.

Off-campus permission is granted based first on high school graduation year, and second on Hillsdale College credits. 

“It preserves the ability for an older student to get off before a younger student,” Dell said. “One thing that we’ve always said is we’ll always be committed to making sure seniors get off campus, but beyond that those numbers are dependent on campus housing numbers and enrollment.”

Sophomore Daniel Molter applied for off-campus housing and was denied permission. 

“I think the dorms are fantastic for freshmen and sophomores who want to get to know more people,” Molter said. “ I just think it’s a little bit frustrating to not be granted the privilege to be off campus for my junior year.”

Dell said it is the deans’ responsibility to fill the campus beds because it is part of the business operations of the college. 

“That’s what helps us maintain dorms,” Dell said. 

Sophomore Clare Wildern received off-campus permission and said she is thrilled about it. 

“It’ll allow me to do more for myself like cooking and cleaning, and I’ll learn how to deal with leases, which is a real life lesson,” Wildern said. “I’m super surprised because I’m a rising junior, and I wasn’t expecting it.”

Junior Emily Swartz received off-campus permission after living on campus for three years. 

“Off campus living allows for fellowship among students and encourages responsibility for life after college,” Swartz said.